Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa

While this museum is particularly popular with kids, anyone fascinated by critters, plants or rocks will find lots to intrigue them. The castle-like building that houses the museum recently received a massive five-year facelift, which included the installation of a striking glass tower over the front entrance. Highlights of the exhibits include the dinosaur collection, the live insects in the Animalium, and galleries devoted to mammals, birds and marine life. Call ahead to find out whether the hands-on Discovery Zone is offering public activities that day (from fall through spring, it’s often reserved for school groups during the week). Closed most Mondays in the off season.

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